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The Role of Soundscape in Nature-Based Rehabilitation: A Patient Perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Gunnar Cerwén

    (Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU, SE-230 53 Alnarp, Sweden)

  • Eja Pedersen

    (Environmental Psychology, Department of Architecture and Built Environment, LTH, Lund University, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden)

  • Anna-María Pálsdóttir

    (Department of Work Science, Business Economics and Environmental Psychology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU, SE-230 53 Alnarp, Sweden)

Abstract

Nature-based rehabilitation (NBR) has convincing support in research, yet the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. The present study sought to increase understanding of the role of soundscapes in NBR, an aspect paid little attention thus far. Transcribed interviews with 59 patients suffering from stress-related mental disorders and undergoing a 12-week therapy programme in the rehabilitation garden in Alnarp, Sweden, were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenology Analysis (IPA). Described sounds were categorised as natural, technological or human. The results showed that patients frequently referred to natural sounds as being part of a pleasant and “quiet” experience that supported recovery and induced “soft fascination”. Technological sounds were experienced as disturbing, while perception of human sounds varied depending on loudness and the social context. The study further uncovered how sound influenced patients’ behaviour and experiences in the garden, through examination of three cross-theme dimensions that materialised in the study; sound in relation to overall perception, sound in relation to garden usage, and increased susceptibility to sound. The findings are discussed in relation to NBR; the need for a more nuanced understanding of susceptibility to sound among people suffering from mental fatigue was identified and design considerations for future rehabilitation gardens were formulated.

Suggested Citation

  • Gunnar Cerwén & Eja Pedersen & Anna-María Pálsdóttir, 2016. "The Role of Soundscape in Nature-Based Rehabilitation: A Patient Perspective," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-18, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:13:y:2016:i:12:p:1229-:d:84956
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Eva Sahlin & Agneta Lindegård & Emina Hadzibajramovic & Patrik Grahn & Josefa Vega Matuszczyk & Gunnar Ahlborg, 2016. "The Influence of the Environment on Directed Attention, Blood Pressure and Heart Rate—An Experimental Study Using a Relaxation Intervention," Landscape Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 41(1), pages 7-25, January.
    2. A. L. Brown & Andreas Muhar, 2004. "An approach to the acoustic design of outdoor space," Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 47(6), pages 827-842.
    3. Anna María Pálsdóttir & Dennis Persson & Birgitta Persson & Patrik Grahn, 2014. "The Journey of Recovery and Empowerment Embraced by Nature — Clients’ Perspectives on Nature-Based Rehabilitation in Relation to the Role of the Natural Environment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-22, July.
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    5. Daniel Steele & Edda Bild & Cynthia Tarlao & Catherine Guastavino, 2019. "Soundtracking the Public Space: Outcomes of the Musikiosk Soundscape Intervention," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-38, May.
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